Cories

[Liz05]

I got my first cory today he lives in a 1 gallon with my betta. I know they like being in groups better than being alone, but will two or three be too crowded?

 

[Alien Anna]

1 gal isn't really big enough for one fish, let alone two, I'm afraid. It's not so much that the cory will get lonely, more that if he's scared he won't be able to school. Schooling is a defence mechanism against predators - not being able to do so can therefore be stressful.

Depending on the species of cory they do usually grow to about 2 inches. A rough rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water, and with a 2.5 inch betta in there, I'm sure you can see how it doesn't add up. Besides, corys like to swim and there isn't really enough room in a 1 gal container.

If you want to get more fish you should try to get a bigger tank. A 10 gal would be ideal - then you could get another 3 or 4 corys.

 

[Liz05]

I have a bigger tank. I have a betta in a 1 gallon, and wanted some type of bottom feeder for him. That is why I bought the cory, because he was small. So from your reply I am guessing that the cory will be fine alone?

 

[Alien Anna]

I personally wouldn't keep a cory alone in a 1 gal tank, no. If you want a bottom feeder to go with your better, might I suggest a golden apple snail or a shrimp?

 

[Liz05]

Won't he eat those?

 

[Kossy]

You could if you can get a larger tank add some females with your male and then you can get corries and another few types of fish like cardinals (8-10min)